Lester Young – They Can’t Take That Away From Me
“Laughing To Keep From Crying” is a phrase that I’ve used far too many in my life. 2016 has presented a wealth of moments for that adage, and shows no sign of stopping. Recently, I tracked down this album, titled after that prescient adage, from Lester “Pres” Young, Roy “Little Jazz” Eldridge and Harry “Sweets” Edison. A major reason I needed this album is because the picture of Eldridge and Young that graces the cover (taken by Burt Goldblatt at Newport in 1957) is one of my all-time favorite jazz photos. Musically, another major reason I wanted this record is because it’s one of the few where you can hear Pres on Clarinet.
From what I’ve gathered, there are a few recordings from the 1930s, but after that, next to nothing from Pres on this instrument. As this session comes near the end of his life, it shares a sad and tender quality with my favorite recording of Pres, from the 1957 broadcast “The Sound Of Jazz” where he more or less serenades Billie Holiday during “Fine and Mellow,” with some of the sweetest and saddest notes I’ve ever heard. It doesn’t take much to hear that same depth of feeling on “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” all you need are ears to listen and a heart to care.